The San Antonio Spurs delivered a dominant 130-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 23, 2025, securing their second win against the defending champions in 10 days and fueling speculation about a budding rivalry in the NBA’s Western Conference.
Playing at Frost Bank Center, the Spurs imposed a suffocating defense that forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 20 points. Keldon Johnson led the charge with 25 points, supported by Stephon Castle’s 24 and Harrison Barnes’ 20, while superstar Victor Wembanyama contributed 12 points off the bench for the fifth straight game. The defensive effort was comprehensive, holding the Thunder to a season-low in free throw attempts and disrupting their offensive flow.
Oklahoma City’s reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, managed a game-high 33 points but was limited to just five free throw attempts, a testament to San Antonio’s disciplined defense. Rookie Dylan Harper added a career-high five steals, emphasizing the Spurs’ aggressive approach. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the Spurs’ control, stating they played the game on their terms both offensively and defensively.
Wembanyama, while cautious about labeling the matchup a rivalry, noted the elevated intensity. ‘The signs are the arena is packed, the energy is different, the physicality from the first to the 48th minutes is up there,’ he said, drawing parallels to historic soccer rivalries. This win extends the Spurs’ winning streak to seven games, their longest since the 2018-19 season, and marks a significant statement against the league-leading Thunder.
The loss represents Oklahoma City’s second-largest regular-season defeat in the past two years, highlighting San Antonio’s ability to challenge the champions. With the teams scheduled to meet again on Christmas Day, the stage is set for a high-stakes rematch that could further cement this emerging rivalry. Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the opportunity to compete against the best, urging his team to be ready for the upcoming challenge.
Statistically, the Spurs dominated key areas, outscoring the Thunder 60-48 in the paint and 19-5 on fast breaks. Their ability to maintain and extend leads, a point of emphasis for Keldon Johnson, shows growth in their competitive maturity. As both teams prepare for the holiday showdown, the basketball world watches to see if this confrontation evolves into one of the NBA’s next great rivalries.
Looking ahead, the Christmas Day game at Paycom Center will test whether the Spurs can sustain their momentum or if the Thunder will reassert their dominance. With playoff implications and pride on the line, this budding rivalry promises to shape the Western Conference landscape for seasons to come.
